Eriobotrya japonica (Japanese Loquat)

Eriobotrya japonica (Japanese Loquat) is a large evergreen shrub or small rounded tree with handsome, leathery-textured leaves, up to 8 in. long (20 cm). Veiny and toothed, the foliage is dark-green and glossy on the upper surface, whitish-or rusty-hairy underneath. Large terminal panicles, up to 6 in. long (15 cm), of 30 to 100 sweetly fragrant, five-petaled, white flowers are produced in late fall through winter. Shining against the foliage, they are followed by edible, apricot-yellow, oblong to pear-shaped fruits, up to 2 in. long (5 cm), which ripen in spring or early summer. Juicy, the fruits are excellent when eaten fresh off the tree or in salads, jellies, jams or pies. Japanese Loquat is an excellent architectural plant for the warm-climate garden. It also can be grown in patio containers, or espaliered against a wall or structure.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 10-25 ft. tall and wide (300-750 cm). Adds 36 in. per year (90 cm).
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in fertile, evenly moist, well-drained soils. Water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly when in growth and keep just moist in winter. Some drought tolerance once established.
• Perfect as a specimen or accent plant or for wall-side borders, city gardens or coastal gardens. Indoor containers are best placed in sunny windows with moderate temperatures of 50-70ºF (10-21ºC).
• No routine pruning necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested or crossing shoots. .
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for fire blight.
• A low risk for poison exists if one cracks multiple seeds and eats them. Large quantities of cracked seeds would need to be eaten for toxicity to occur.
• Propagate by seed at 55-60ºF (13-16ºC) in spring or take semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.
• Native to China, Japan.